Astana, Kazakhstan – Azerbaijan has emerged as the dominant force at the inaugural Turkic Nations Team Chess Championship, claiming first place in both the women's and youth events. The four-day competition, held in Astana from May 14 to 17, 2026, saw teams from across Turkic nations vie for top honors in a significant new regional chess event.
In the highly anticipated women’s event, Azerbaijan showcased exceptional skill and teamwork to secure the gold medal. The host nation, Kazakhstan, also demonstrated strong performances, with Kazakhstan-1 earning the silver medal and Kazakhstan-2 taking home the bronze, filling out the podium in a closely contested category.
Azerbaijan’s success extended to the youth event, where their team clinched first place ahead of schedule, underscoring their strength in developing young chess talent. Similar to the women's competition, teams representing Kazakhstan also secured the remaining podium positions in the youth category, further highlighting the competitive spirit among the participating nations.
The championship, which ran for four days, marked a notable addition to the international chess calendar, providing a platform for team competition among Turkic nations. The event's conclusion on May 17, 2026, celebrated not only the victors but also the spirit of sportsmanship and strategic depth displayed by all participants.